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Would you like to install a new keyboard in your Dell Inspiron 9400 or E1705 laptop? It’s relatively easy even for inexperienced users. In my guide I’ll be replacing a damaged keyboard with a new one I got here for less than $20. I mentioned Inspiron E1705 laptop because it has the same body and the keyboard replacement instructions should be identical for both models.
Before you start, turn off the power, remove the battery and remove the AC adapter.
STEP 1.
Open up the display as far as it goes.
Insert a small flat head screwdriver between the keyboard cover and laptop base and carefully lift up the cover.
Continue removing the cover with your fingers.
STEP 2.
Remove two screws securing the keyboard.
STEP 3.
Carefully lift up the keyboard from the base and move it up so you can access the keyboard cable.
STEP 4.
The keyboard is connected to the motherboard via a flat ribbon cable. Before you can release the cable and remove the keyboard, the connector must be unlocked.
Be very careful. The keyboard connector is permanently attached to the motherboard. If you accidentally damage the connector, you’ll have to replace the whole motherboard.
On the picture below you see the connector in the locked state.
The connector opens up like a door. You can open the connector with your fingernail.
On the picture below you see the same connector in the unlocked position.
STEP 5.
Now you can pull the cable from the connector and remove the keyboard.
Replace the damaged keyboard with a new one.
My previous post explains how to add more memory and upgrade the video card. In one of the next posts I’ll explain how to disassemble the display panel and replace the LCD screen.
If you are replacing the keyboard because of missing or broken keys, check out my previous post about fixing individual keyboard keys. Maybe it’s not necessary to replace the whole keyboard.
Static electricity can kill your laptop. I recommend wearing an anti-static wrist strap while working with internal parts of your laptop.
If you find this article useful, please consider making a donation to the author. Thank you!
October 5th, 2009 at 7:31 am
Thank you for your site. I am director of a non-profit library, and money is scarce. I am sure you saved me $125 in replacing a keyboard. Sorry I don’t have extra money to donate, but I wanted you to know I appreciate what you do.
Best of luck
Paige Delaney
October 9th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Thanks for the guide. I am going to be trying this repair and I hope it works.
October 13th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Excellent guide. Thank you for the help. FYI, same instructions work for the DELL PRECISION M6300.
I had a 9400 that I was keeping around for parts, removed the keyboard and put it into the Precision using these instructions.
November 3rd, 2009 at 1:51 am
Thank you for these clear and easy instructions. I have just followed them to replace the keyboard in my Inspiron 9400 (which Dell, to their credit, replaced under extended warranty, next day.)
I had assumed that step 1 worked the way you said, but it is reassuring to see pictures of someone else doing the same thing
Step 4, on the other hand, was an absolute winner for me – I’m certain that, had I not seen your guide, I just would have tugged until the motherboard broke.
Thanks again.
Mark in the UK
November 19th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Great easy to follow instructions. You made installing my new keyboard a breeze.
Thank you so much.
Renata